Is It Utterly Insane...

[iwantitiwinit]

This may sound corny but I feel as if I have somewhat of a responsibility to safeguard these small pieces of cardboard that have survived intact for a hundred years. In the past they've been owned by others and I would think in many cases by several others who have cared for them. My cards will never be in better shape then they are now, you can't undo damage however minor it might be. The best way for me preserve them and to prevent future damage is to leave them slabbed. Personally I know how bad I'd feel if I ever damaged a card when cracking it out of a case or mishandling it. Rather than a question of preserving value, to me it's more of a question of preserving the "treasure".

[EvilKing00]

Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit

This may sound corny but I feel as if I have somewhat of a responsibility to safeguard these small pieces of cardboard that have survived intact for a hundred years. In the past they've been owned by others and I would think in many cases by several others who have cared for them. My cards will never be in better shape then they are now, you can't undo damage however minor it might be. The best way for me preserve them and to prevent future damage is to leave them slabbed. Personally I know how bad I'd feel if I ever damaged a card when cracking it out of a case or mishandling it. Rather than a question of preserving value, to me it's more of a question of preserving the "treasure".

Perfectly said

[Bridwell]

+1. I've gradually become a slab man. Hated the concept at first now like it. One factor not mentioned yet is that someday my family members will be liquidating my collection after I'm gone. Or maybe I'll want to liquidate it when I'm elderly. The slabs are good to identify the cards and will help keep family members from being taken advantage of.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

A lot of good arguments have been made for both positions. I see pros and cons for both. I don't know what I would do but I won't fault you either way.

Pro - leave them slabbed
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Better protected physically
Easier to resale
Easier for family to resale if you pass away
If you just like graded cards
Risk of messing them up if you crack them out
Easier to insure

Con - crack them out
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Like the way they look
The way collecting used to be
Like to touch the cards
Think they look cool that way
Easier to store and enjoy collection